DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts will host its second live auction fundraiser to provide the community with a fun event to support the school’s various art programs. The fundraiser will be at the Victory Room at the Lou Walker Center at 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia.

It will run from 6 to 10 p.m.

Started by the school’s parent-teacher association group last year, the casino-themed event will provide live entertainment, food, cocktails and an auction to encourage parents and the community to support the school.

Tickets are $15 per person and the event is for adults 21 and older.

Jill Upshaw, president of the association, said the fundraiser provides parents with a fun night out while helping the school.

“We look forward to hosting this event and we know the parents of our students appreciate that the proceeds go directly to funding tools and equipment the school needs,” she said. Last year’s fundraising earnings helped fund the performing arts department with its end of the year production.

“Thanks to last year’s auction, we were able to assist with securing staging, light fixtures and extra people to help set up the production,” Upshaw said.

She also said the event was a good way to encourage community partnerships with the school.

“Businesses donate items, such as tickets to music and sporting events, artwork and jewelry, spa treatments and more and getting those businesses involved with our efforts builds community partnerships,” Upshaw said.

Parents and teachers are lending a helping hand with the fundraiser, too.

“One of our parents is in a jazz band and will be providing live music for the event,” said school Communications Director Faye Shannon, who also said guests such as DeKalb County interim CEO Lee May will be in attendance.

“Without fundraisers like this one, our school’s creative arts education and training, which includes visual arts, drama, dance, vocal, instrumental and performance shows, could not function,” Shannon said. “We’re glad we can support learning through creativity.”

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